Smart technology helps redefine how managers of critical infrastructure can improve and deliver future-proof systems. As the need to meet varying codes – such as AS4044:2024 for stationary battery chargers and many others – impacts operations, consider these technologies for ensuring safety.
The rise of AI for threat detection
Security across the physical and digital layers requires reinforcement due to the booming number of users, devices, connections and networks. It is now impossible for humans to monitor all the screens, read through the event logs or react to a dozen real-time events.
Across airports, power plants, transport and other use cases, threat detection systems, powered by AI, can improve response times, deliver more effective response instructions and reduce false alarms. All while learning about the systems around them to create more powerful security awareness and as new AI features become available.
Smarter cameras for physical security
Across expansive critical sites, the number of cameras required can flood a control centre with imagery and reports. New-generation systems like Avigilon security cameras provide end-to-end access control, security and deeper insights into activity and weak spots across the premises.
AI can reduce the number of false reports sent to security teams and track suspicious characters or teams across a location, collecting evidence from vehicles used, activity and even possible targets or motives through advanced analysis.
Digital twins create risk models for advanced planning
Digital twins have moved fast from the factory to critical infrastructure. A virtual model provides valuable early insights into how a facility will operate and what processes and systems the safety and security teams will need to perform their functions and meet budget or operational goals.
The digital twin can highlight safety and security risks well in advance of breaking ground, and support extensive scenarios like the impact of fires and floods. Helping improve designs and infrastructure to save the premises and potentially lives.
Rise of the autonomous drone
Alongside physical security systems, drones can support safety across large sites like rail yards, power stations and airports. Ground robots can work in confined or hazardous spaces to support safety teams. or in restricted locations
Aerial drones can cover huge areas of ground, where it is inefficient for human agents to visit. They can autonomously track unusual objects, tracks or other evidence and report back for fast responses, while keeping workers safe or out of harm’s way.
It might all sound futuristic, but drones are working in many places, and the flip-side counter-drone technology like Droneshield is already starting to protect airports from errant or enemy drones.
Zero trust and access control
Zero trust is the growing method to keep unwanted, unsanctioned or suspicious devices, users and apps out of your networks and sites. Zero trust requires multiple levels of authentication, and regular checks to ensure that people or programs are who they claim to be, reducing the risk of insider threats, or fake workers through strong identity management.
Modern access control isn’t just about the phone app or ID badge, but face recognition, biometrics and other sensors to allow valid workers in, and keep the curious or criminal out.
Integrated command and control
Long gone is the idea of different units working in siloes on safety, security, HR requirements and other protection essentials. Instead, teams work in unison, sharing data, with an integrated command centre at the heart of operations, even if people are largely being replaced by AI for day-to-day operations.
However, when there is an incident or crisis, every individual must understand safety protocols, what to do and where to go, requiring training, exercises and simulations. Similarly, human understanding and intuition is needed to meet the problems of today and events that may be triggered by political or environmental uncertainty in future.
Each layer of these safety and security systems works together to maintain trust in critical infrastructure during planning and development, defining the roles of managers, workers and technology that will keep them operating.
Even as AI takes over more critical infrastructure monitoring, it must do so under the rules of, and in compliance with, the Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act to ensure that internal systemic risks are understood and overcome.
